Take a trip down memory lane with our A-Z of Norfolk and Suffolk’s towns and villages. Continuing with H, we take a brief look at the history of Holt.

Holt is a bustling market town whose name is thought to come from the Saxon words for woodland. Some of Holt’s surroundings are still densely wooded today.

It is situated 3½ miles from the coast and has a charming view over the surrounding countryside.

The precise birth date of the town is unknown, but Roman remains have been found on its north side. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 back when only 60 men were listed residing in the town along with 90 sheep and a host of other farm life.

In 1708, a fire broke out amid the market stalls passing through the town and its wooden buildings. After this tragic event the town was rebuilt using brick, flint and stone which is why the Market Place and High Street are predominantly Georgian.

The town’s emblem is the owl and Holt people are said to be the “knowing ones”.